Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 506

The living room felt like a war zone, the air crackling with tension.

Emmy slipped out after James, almost running to the kitchen just to get away from it all. Inside, James was already unpacking groceries, lining up veggies and meat on the counter like he was on some kind of mission.

“Need a hand?” Emmy asked, hoping to make herself useful.

James was busy opening a box of fresh shrimp. He glanced back at her. “Out.”

She froze, halfway to the counter.

He added, “It’s too smoky in here. Not good for you or the baby.”

With no argument left, Emmy retreated to the doorway, watching from a safe distance.

Ivy, having just served tea to Steve, bustled in to help. She flashed James a grin and took over the chopping. “James, just make a couple of Emmy’s favorites. I’ll handle the rest. Go keep her company!”

James nodded. “I’ll do the shrimp stir-fry and tomato scrambled eggs.”

Both dishes were simple and healthy—exactly what Emmy liked.

Ivy’s eyes sparkled as she teased, “Men who cook for their wives are a rare breed these days. Emmy, you really hit the jackpot!”

James didn’t say anything, just lowered his head and focused. He might have been a top special forces guy who could do practically anything, but cooking was new. He’d spent his whole lunch break watching recipe videos, memorizing every step so he wouldn’t mess up tonight.

If all went well, he might actually pull it off.

He shrugged off his jacket to toss it over a chair, but Emmy darted over and caught it, hugging it to her chest.

With Ivy’s gray apron tied around his waist, James suddenly looked softer, less intimidating—a total homebody husband vibe. He turned back to the stove, rolling up his sleeves, his strong forearms flexing as he worked. There was something comforting about the way he moved, all broad shoulders and quiet strength.

Emmy just stood in the doorway, watching him with a warm, fuzzy feeling blooming in her chest.

Out in the living room, things were icy.

Steve dropped several boxes of fancy bird’s nest and supplements onto the table, then sprawled across from Abriella and Will like he owned the place. One leg crossed, arm draped over the couch, fingers tapping, eyes cold and unblinking as he stared them down.

Abriella, pretending not to notice, picked up an orange and peeled it. She popped the first slice right up to Will’s lips.

Steve’s eyes narrowed, cold and sharp. He asked, “Do your parents even know you two are together?”

Abriella went silent.

Steve’s laugh was colder than ever. “You’re the Sullivan family’s darling. You think your parents will let you marry a… firefighter?”

That was it for Abriella. She shot to her feet and yelled, “Who I date or marry is my business! I don’t need anyone else’s approval!”

Steve leaned back, looking relaxed but his words cut deep. “Abriella, don’t forget who you are. You think you can just marry whoever you want?”

His words hit a nerve, old wounds flaring up. Abriella glared at him, eyes brimming with tears.

“If it weren’t for you, I’d still be the carefree Abriella I used to be!”

“You think you saved me? All you did was pull me out of one mess and shove me straight into another!”

“What right do you have to butt into my life now?”